FAI highlights three key issues around return to football for amateurs

The Football Association of Ireland’s steering group has highlighted three key areas around return to play protocols for the amateur adult and underage game which have been submitted to government officials.

The group met again yesterday (Monday) to discuss the conditions necessary to facilitate a safe and timely return for all amateur adult and underage players, match officials and volunteers.

The latest meeting followed further consultation with stakeholders in the wake of the publication of the government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The FAI now awaits a response from government as it seeks guidance on the following issues: a clear policy to manage all risks for volunteers around a return to play and to ensure a safe environment for all participants; clarity on the effects of social distancing on contact sport as per the phases outlined in the government’s Roadmap; and guidance on the infrastructural costs for amateur adult and underage clubs around safe return to play protocols.

Steering group facilitator Ger McDermott said: “We await a response from government having submitted a series of key questions to Sport Ireland around a safe return to play for everyone involved in amateur adult and underage football.

“We again advise all affiliates to postpone any decisions on a return to training or football until the government responds. The steering group will then meet to consider the outcome of that response.

“Only then can we issue clear guidelines to our clubs, leagues and all affiliates on a safe return to training and playing. We thank them all for their patience to date and for continuing to abide by HSE guidelines.”

*Pictured above: Ger McDermott, facilitator of the FAI steering group that is looking for answers on return to play protocols for the amateur adult and underage game. Photo: Sportsfile